Community Strong Australia launched to give more Australians a voice in shaping the nation’s future
Community Strong Australia
Australia is at a crossroads. Across the country, Australians want something better: a politics that brings people together, tackles long-term challenges with courage and optimism, and gives communities a stronger voice in shaping the future.
People want governments focused on creating opportunity and prosperity for all Australians. They want to feel safe and secure. They want practical solutions to the issues that matter most – housing affordability, cost of living pressures, climate change, childcare, education, healthcare and social cohesion.
Most importantly, Australians want representatives who are accountable to the communities they serve, not party machines, lobbyists or vested interests.
Today, Warringah MP Zali Steggall and Wentworth MP Allegra Spender have announced the formation of Community Strong Australia (CSA), a new political party designed to bring the successful community-led model to more Australians and more communities across the country.
Community Strong Australia represents a positive vision for Australia’s future – one built from the ground up by communities, driven by integrity, evidence-based policy and a belief that better politics is possible.
The new party will support community-backed candidates and parliamentarians in both houses of Parliament who share a commitment to integrity, climate action, economic prosperity, practical solutions and genuine engagement with the people they represent.
“The community independent movement has shown what’s possible when people unite around shared values and practical solutions. Community Strong Australia is about extending that opportunity to more Australians,” Steggall said.
“Australia is at a turning point and people are worried about what the future holds. Community Strong Australia offers unity over division and reason over rage. We invite everyone who shares those values to join us.”
Spender said the formation of Community Strong Australia responds directly to what many Australians have been calling for.
“Too many Australians feel politics is dominated by career politicians who don’t listen to them,” Spender said. “Australians deserves a positive, responsible alternative.”
“They deserve representatives who can bring real world experience to parliament. They want a new political organisation that can bring people together and give communities the power to shape their own future.”
Community Strong Australia seeks to build on the principles that have driven the success of community independents: integrity, accountability, practical problem-solving and putting communities at the centre of decision-making. This chapter is not about choosing between independents and parties but combining the strengths of both.
As some political forces fuel division and push voters towards more extreme choices, Community Strong Australia is focused on bringing Australians together.
“At a time when others are promoting conflict and hate, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to provide a real political alternative and promote a positive narrative about what Australia is and what we can achieve together,” Steggall said.
Spender said Community Strong
Community Strong Australia representatives will collaborate to develop evidence-based, expert-informed policy, while retaining a free vote and remaining accountable first and foremost to their communities. Their primary commitment will be to the people who elect them and the values they share.
Party registration is required so candidates can run for the Senate and ensure more communities can choose authentic, community-based representation.
An application has been lodged with the Australian Electoral Commission to register Community Strong Australia as a political party. Registration is expected to be finalised by October 2026.
This is just the beginning. Over coming months, Community Strong Australia will engage with communities across the country to help shape the party’s future direction and policy priorities.
Community Strong Australia is building a movement that will grow and evolve with the people it serves. Australians who share a belief in integrity, participation and practical solutions are invited to join us and help shape Australia’s future.
For more, go to www.communitystrong.org.au.
